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Mon, 26 Jun 2017 18:18:18 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.990567775Lakeland Magic’s Home Arena Has a New Name the RP Funding Centerhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/estativize/KFDR/~3/vEZYhCxVcEs/rp-funding-center-new-name-lakeland-magics-home-arena
http://estativize.com/featured-articles/rp-funding-center-new-name-lakeland-magics-home-arena#respondMon, 26 Jun 2017 17:08:26 +0000http://estativize.com/?p=7108LAKELAND – The RP Funding Center, formerly the Lakeland Center and the new home of the Lakeland Magic, is one of the most prodigious venues in Florida. Since opening its doors in 1974, this facility has provided guests with exceptional entertainment. Polk County residents and visitors have gathered there on many occasions to enjoy live musical performances, sports competition and Continue Reading]]>

LAKELAND – The RP Funding Center, formerly the Lakeland Center and the new home of the Lakeland Magic, is one of the most prodigious venues in Florida.

Since opening its doors in 1974, this facility has provided guests with exceptional entertainment. Polk County residents and visitors have gathered there on many occasions to enjoy live musical performances, sports competition and other major events, conferences, and conventions.

The venue’s new name will now only enhance the experiences guests have when they walk into the building and likely increase the number of events that take place there.

At the helm of all this excitement is RP Funding CEO Robert Palmer, a local prodigy and proud partner of the Lakeland Magic.

Palmer’s high school graduation ceremony actually took place at the Lakeland Center 19 years ago and now he hopes his devotion to the Magic and local community will help strengthen the entire region.

“I’m excited about the things we can do to try and bring more amazing events to this building,” Palmer said on Tuesday during the unveiling of the center’s new name. “It’s absolutely amazing. I couldn’t be prouder. We started down this road of doing the due diligence on putting our name on a building, it’s something we wanted to do and when that opportunity lined up in my hometown it made it all that much sweeter.”

RP Funding will receive exterior and interior building signage along with television, radio, print and social media promotion. The five-year naming rights agreement will generate additional revenue toward the operation and maintenance of the facility.

Palmer’s devoutness to his hometown and those who are just as dedicated and enthusiastic to the community as he is is one of the primary reasons the Magic chose Lakeland to be the home of their D-League team.

“This is clearly going to be Lakeland’s community team and what better person to partner with than Robert Palmer and his family of companies that really grew up here and were founded here,” Magic CEO Alex Martins said. “Our goals are completely aligned. Robert is trying to grow his business along the I-4 corridor and we’re trying to continue to grow that Magic brand all the way along the I-4 corridor from Orlando all the way to Tampa. It’s a perfect partnership.”

In and around Lakeland you can already get a sense of how thrilled the people of this community are about the arrival of the Magic’s D-League team. Not only will it help the Magic evaluate and develop talent, it will also give the people of this community a team they can be proud of and rally around.

“We’re looking forward to many memorable moments ahead in the RP Funding Center,” Lakeland Magic President Shelly Wilkes said. “RP Funding represents the excellence we strive for in bringing our product to our fans and stakeholders.”

]]>http://estativize.com/featured-articles/rp-funding-center-new-name-lakeland-magics-home-arena/feed07108http://estativize.com/featured-articles/rp-funding-center-new-name-lakeland-magics-home-arenaDon’t Sell Your Home Without Using This Checklist Firsthttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/estativize/KFDR/~3/hTXjhqYSQ6I/dont-sell-home-without-using-checklist-first
http://estativize.com/featured-articles/dont-sell-home-without-using-checklist-first#respondThu, 25 May 2017 22:05:17 +0000http://estativize.com/?p=7101You only get one chance to list the best version of your home for sale on the market. Don’t rush the home-selling process and risk making a bad first impression with homebuyers. If you want to command higher prices and expedite the sale of your home, then check out this home-selling checklist.]]>

Get More Money for Your Home with This Home-Seller Checklist
Check Out This List Before Selling Your Home

With homes flying off the market due to the current demand for real estate, sellers may be uninterested in investing the necessary time and money to get their home market-ready. Still, it’s best to play it safe and get your home in the best shape possible, even if homes are selling fast all over the nation. This home-selling checklist provides steps you can take to get your house ready so when you hit the market, your home shows at its best and maximizes your opportunity with potential buyers.

Decide How to Sell

With homes flying off the market due to the current demand for real estate, sellers may be uninterested in investing the necessary time and money to get their home market-ready. Still, it’s best to play it safe and get your home in the best shape possible, even if homes are selling fast all over the nation. This home-selling checklist provides steps you can take to get your house ready so when you hit the market, your home shows at its best and maximizes your opportunity with potential buyers.

Before selling your home, you need to decide whether you want to sell your home yourself or work with a real estate agent. If you choose to self-sell, it is important to understand what is involved. To start, a home that is For Sale by Owner (FSBO) requires a lot of work to be marketed and sold successfully. This includes making signs, placing ads, fielding calls and filling out a ton of paperwork. Seeking the help of a local real estate agent is a good option for many first-time home sellers. A real estate agent will take care of all the legwork and other specifics you may not have time for as you prepare your home for sale.

Find the Right Agent

Start interviewing real estate agents and select one who will help you craft a solid home-selling strategy and marketing plan, so that you can sell your home for top dollar. Although they are working for a commission off your home’s sale, a good agent will do what’s best for you and use every resource available to market and sell your home. Your real estate agent will also help you get your home market-ready.

Schedule a Home Inspection

Having your home inspected gives you the opportunity to get your home in tip-top shape by resolving any issues before you list. While potential buyers will also order a home inspection before a sale is finalized, you can get a head-start by repairing any damages that could keep you from selling your home for the highest possible amount. Your real estate agent should be able to recommend a qualified home inspector with a keen-eye to spot any problems that could slow or prevent a sale.

Make Your Home Turn-Key

Buyers want a home that is move-in ready. If there any other improvements or upgrades that you have been putting off, now is the time to do them. Perhaps your home could use a fresh coat of paint, updated flooring, a new toilet or a nicer kitchen appliance. Determine what is needed, set a timeline and budget, and give your home a makeover both inside and out that highlights its best features.

Repair and Replace

Many homebuyers don’t want to inherit a fixer-upper. Now that your home has been inspected, it’s time to deal with any issues that may have been discovered. You’d be surprised how many buyers disqualify a home because of little things like a cracked window or rusty sink. Don’t eliminate your home from a buyer’s mind by ignoring these minor issues. Fix any buyer turn-offs, such as leaky faucets, creaky doors and broken handles. Correcting these little imperfections will go a long way to satisfying homebuyer objections and keep them from making less-than-desirable offers for your home.

Clean and Declutter

The interior of your house needs to be clean and clutter-free when preparing it for sale. Clear all doorways of unnecessary items, such as shoes and toys, and tidy up the garage and closets. Also, no one wants to live in a smelly house. Empty the trashcan regularly and flush all the toilets to prevent staining. If you have pets, make sure the litter boxes are placed out of the way, and spray air freshener or crack open a window to get the bad smells out. If you are a smoker, deodorize your home and shampoo all carpeted areas. These are simple and courteous steps that could mean the difference between your home selling quickly or sitting on the market for weeks or longer.

Maximize Your Space

Donate, store away or toss any unsightly furniture to help the house look more spacious. Move your furniture around to maximize space and give each room a more natural flow. Extra space is always a desirable selling point, so it’s important to highlight every available inch of your home’s interior. If you need additional help, your agent can recommend a professional home stager to assist you in showcasing each room’s functionality and potential. A well-staged home can catch a buyer’s eye and allow you to sell your home for a higher price.

Focus on Curb Appeal

The front of your house is the first thing buyers see, either in-person or online. A home with a well-maintained exterior will attract positive attention from buyers, and they will want to see if that home’s interior looks just as nice. To enhance your curb appeal, make sure your lawn is regularly maintained and free of debris. Also look out for any cosmetic issues with the exterior of your home. Check for broken screens, shutters and window frames. Having a well-cared for property creates a strong first impression, and buyers will be willing to pay more for a house that is not in need of exterior repairs.

Set the Right Selling Price

Pricing a home is tricky. You don’t want to price too low, thus underselling your home and missing out on thousands of dollars. At the same time, if you price too high, you could price your home outside many buyer’s budgets and eliminate your home from consideration. Your real estate agent should provide you with a home evaluation to assist in determining your home’s value and negotiating the right selling price for your property. For a more accurate and detailed estimation of your home’s value, you can obtain an official home appraisal from a local certified appraiser. Once you set the right listing price, you can start opening your home to interested buyers.

Prepare for an Open House

Ready your home for an open house by creating a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. Make your entranceway inviting with decorative flowers or an eye-catching wreath. Another effective open house strategy that helps transform a home into a desirable living space is depersonalization. You can depersonalize your home before scheduling a showing by removing any displayed family photos or other more personal items.

Depersonalization is a mutually beneficial step for both buyer and seller, as it allows buyers to easily envision themselves living in your home and begins the important process of detaching the emotional bond you have with your house. While this process may be a bittersweet, you want buyers to feel like they could be the owner of your home, not a guest in it.

Negotiate Wisely

You’ve already set a listing price that is right for your home. Now you need to determine how low you’re willing to go at the negotiating table. Your real estate agent will assist you in evaluating offers, counteroffers and settling on a price that is fair for both parties. You should go in expecting to make some compromises, but be sure you leave the negotiating table satisfied with your sale.

Find Your Next Home

It goes without saying that once you sell your home, you’ll need a new one to move into. It’s important, though, that you don’t get too distracted searching for a new residence and lose focus on selling your current home. Luckily, you already have a real estate agent working for you who will be happy to assist you with finding your next home.

Bottom Line

Each of the items on this list can play an important role in a buyer’s decision to make an offer on your home. A home purchase is a major financial decision, and you can be sure any potential buyer will be detailed in their visit to your house. If your place is not in the best shape possible, they will likely move on. Start completing this home-selling checklist before you put your home up for sale so you don’t miss out on any potential buyers.

]]>http://estativize.com/featured-articles/dont-sell-home-without-using-checklist-first/feed07101http://estativize.com/featured-articles/dont-sell-home-without-using-checklist-first16 Critical Steps to Get More Money for Your Homehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/estativize/KFDR/~3/WBa-oU75134/16-critical-steps-get-money-home
Mon, 22 May 2017 21:51:33 +0000http://estativize.com/?p=7071You always want to put your best foot forward when attempting to make a sale. Whether you are selling yourself or a possession, it’s important to make a good first impression. Selling a home is no different. Here are 16 ways to make sure your home is in its best shape both inside and out before putting a “For Sale” sign in your yard.]]>

Ready to sell your home? Not so fast! If you want to attract buyers and get the most money for your home, there are several important steps to complete to prepare your home for sale. To make your home fetch top-dollar, you're first going to have to do some work. So grab the “For Sale” sign and a paintbrush too! Here are 16 things you must do before listing your home for sale.

Get a Home Inspection

Although home inspections are generally conducted after a sale, scheduling one before listing your home gives you the advantage of knowing what issues might need to be addressed. This eliminates surprises down the road that could slow or even derail the sale of your home. You can either fix any discovered problems yourself or budget those repairs into the asking price.

Enhance Your Entranceway

After addressing any repairs discovered in your inspection, it’s best to start fixing any problem areas outside your home — after all, this is what buyers see first. Your front door is the threshold to your home, so it should say, “Come on in,” and not “Go away!” To this end, give your door a new coat of paint to make it look more inviting or open up your entranceway by removing debris or vegetation. You can also try adding a decorative potted plant to either side of your door for an additional flourish. And if you don't have one, literally roll-out a welcome mat!

Give Your Home a Facelift

If the exterior of your home looks drab and gloomy, then give it a facelift with a fresh coat of paint. A simple paint-job will make your home look years younger by filling in any cracks and crevices that help show its age. A newly painted home exterior is inexpensive and will do wonders to impress prospective buyers.

Get to (Yard)work

A well-maintained lawn gives the impression of pride in your appearance. Do your home a favor and clear away any overgrown vegetation, pull weeds, mulch the flowerbeds and even re-sod, if necessary. Plant some eye-catching flowers and keep all landscaping trimmed and free of debris. Displaying a tidy and attractive exterior will signal the same for your home’s interior.

Paint the Walls

Speaking of your home’s interior, a majority of your preparation for sale will be done inside the home. A good place to start is, again, with a paintbrush. A simple paint job can really freshen up the interior of your house. Stick to neutral colors like beige or taupe for most walls and be sure to paint over any areas with scuff-marks, damage or untraditional colors. Also, be sure to touch-up the trim and molding for an extra polish.

Get to Scrubbing

It should go without saying, but it’s absolutely necessary to deep clean all showers, tubs, toilets and sinks. A dirty bathroom or kitchen could be an immediate turn-off to a potential buyer. If you don’t want to spend hours on your knees scrubbing (or if the thought of pulling hair from the shower drain makes you ill), you can always hire a professional cleaning service to give your bathroom and kitchen a thorough once-over.

Re-Carpet

Stains happen. If your home is carpeted, then it's probably safe to assume it has accumulated its fair share of stains over the years. No buyer wants to inherit dirty floors, so it’s best to replace your carpet before listing your home. Since your carpets will likely be coming up, this is a good opportunity to consider upgrading to tile or even wood paneling to give your floors a cleaner, more modern look.

Test the Lights

Electric issues should have been checked during your home inspection, but just to be safe, go around the house and double check that everything is working properly before showing your home. Make sure all the lights turn on—both inside and out. Look for any exposed wiring, and repair or replace any broken fixtures, bulbs, light switches and outlet covers. Also, test all your kitchen appliances for any defects or deficiencies.

Do a Royal Flush

One of the first things buyers will do when examining a home is check that the home's plumbing is in working order. Be sure the water flows properly from all sink, shower and tub faucets, and replace any shower heads or fixtures that are old, moldy or clogged. Double-check that all the toilets flush. If they don’t, try replacing the toilet stopper to correct the issue. Replace any stained or rusty drains, re-caulk any grimy areas of the shower, and clean the mirrors.

Fix It

Repair or replace any broken or outdated hardware or fixtures both in and outside your home. You can easily install new doors, handles, curtain rods or drawers inside. As for the exterior, look out for any window frames, screens or shutters that require attention. Your home inspector will also let you know of any issues regarding leaks or loose shingles or tiles on your roof.

Declutter

Time to throw stuff away. Don't stuff your closets, attic or garage with junk just to get it out of the way for an open house. You'll need to address your clutter at some point, so it’s best to just deal with it before listing your home. Take this opportunity to reduce your belongings so you don’t have so much to move to your next home. If you can’t part with anything, your only option may be renting a storage unit until your home sells. Potential buyers want to see a clean, clutter-free home, not one occupied by a hoarder.

Restage

Move your furniture around to maximize space and give each room a more natural flow. Repositioning a couch or bed (along with some decluttering) can make your home appear bigger. And bigger is better to homebuyers. If you don’t know the first thing about feng shui, you can hire a professional home stager for help. It could cost you a few hundred dollars, but their advice may allow you to sell your home for more money in the long run.

Deck the Halls

Before scheduling an open house, make your home feel cozy and livable. Dust and polish the wooden furniture. Invest in a new tablecloth and placemats, and set the table as if you are expecting guests. Accentuate the friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere with a bouquet of fresh flowers in the kitchen or on the dining room table.

Tidy Up

Go through your home and conduct a final spot-check before a property showing. Make sure the sink and dishwasher are empty, toys are off the floor and pets are put away. Most important, make sure all toilets are flushed. That’s one surprise you can’t paint away.

Gather Your Paperwork

Collect or download and print all the owner’s manuals and warranty policies for your appliances, as well as information about your home’s paint colors. Interested buyers will appreciate having all the information on what they will be getting in case of an emergency. Also, provide a copy of recent utility bills to give them an idea of average monthly costs.

Research Your Home’s Value

Interested buyers can research their home online before making an inquiry. They can learn details about a home’s ownership, insurance, mortgage and any pulled permits, renovations and repairs. However, if they can look all that up, then so can you. Learn how much your home is worth and if there are any issues with it before listing. That way, you can anticipate and correct any problems that could slow the selling process and sell your home for the highest possible amount.

Bringing It All Together

Congratulations, you now have a clean and clutter-free home! After completing these 16 critical steps, you will be ready to confidently list your home for sale with the knowledge that you did everything in your power to prepare and improve your home for its next owners — and make yourself a nice profit in the process.

]]>7071http://estativize.com/featured-articles/16-critical-steps-get-money-homeWhen and How to Combine Finances with Your Partnerhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/estativize/KFDR/~3/g0KhgDgix9Y/when-and-how-to-combine-finances-with-your-partner
http://estativize.com/featured-articles/when-and-how-to-combine-finances-with-your-partner#respondWed, 03 Feb 2016 08:00:28 +0000http://estativize.com/?p=6859Continue Reading]]>Moving in with, or getting married to, your significant other is a big step in lots of different ways. There are many things to figure out and talk about. What to do about finances is one of the most important topics to cover, and there are several things to consider. Even if you are in a current arrangement, you might want to read on and see if another idea seems to fit your comfort level a bit better.

1 - Better together.

This arrangement works best for the couple who are not married where each has already been smart with their money. You are on equal footing and debt is low. Each person has a purposeful plan for the future. It works best if you set up a joint checking account for shared expenses like the rent, household bills, groceries, etc., and each of you contributes equal amounts each month.

2 - It’s only fair.

A solution for the married couple where one of you makes significantly more money than the other, or live-in couples where the person making the most money wants to live a more lavish lifestyle. Open a joint account where each person contributes a percentage of their income to pay for the essential household bills. Make sure the percentage is fair for both parties.

3 - It’s on me.

If one person in the relationship makes most of the money it’s almost a given they will take care of all the household expenses. This could be a situation where one person is still in school, or maybe working part-time. The most important detail to pay attention to hear is the up-front convo you need to have. What will happen if you break up? Would the person paying the bills want to be paid back? What happens if/when the other partner either enters the workforce or significantly increases their wages? Good communication regarding financial matters are essential to good relationships. There’s a reason finances are one of the highest reasons for breakups and divorce. It might be uncomfortable at first, but the payoff is big.

4 - I’ll take this one you take that one.

What if you don’t want to combine finances at all? Or maybe you make different incomes? Does one person own the mortgage? No biggie. Make a list of the household bills and divvy them up fairly. If he’s paying the mortgage, maybe you take the power bill and yard guy. Try to avoid resentment when assigning the bill. If he wants the NFL cable package but you don’t watch television, let him have that bill and you pay more for the other utilities.

5 - All in.

That’s right. Throw all the money in one pot. This a great solution for newly married folks who don’t have separate assets. There are a couple of ways to do this. Open a joint account and deposit all of your income, from which you pay all your bills and set aside savings. Or, open a joint account for all of your shared bills (and a savings for your savings goals) and also a separate checking account for each of you to keep your own discretionary “spending” money. The latter option should include a no-guilt agreement so you each feel free to spend your money on what you want.

Whichever way you decide to go, the most important thing is communication. As things change, it will be wise to revisit your financial plans and adjust as needed.

You never thought it would happen, but at some point, you might decide it’s time to retire. And when you do, you’ll want to have a strong retirement plan in place.

The big story in financial planning has been and will continue to be affording retirement, which makes sense with the retirement of tens of thousands of baby boomers expected every week for several consecutive years.

For boomers, many of whom have little to no retirement plan in place, affording retirement may be their generation’s last great social cause.

“The concerns over Social Security solvency alone epitomize the fact that your personal wealth, a clear-cut concern for each individual, extends beyond only you,” says Edward Sota, the president and co-founder of Safeguard Financial Services, Inc., and a partner at Safeguard Investment Advisory Group, LLC.

As crucial as it is to afford retirement during one’s golden years, Sota discusses the many ways in which retirement planning extends beyond the individual:

•Long-term care: No one wants to think about struggling with debilitating illness or injury, but experts calculate that 70 percent of people older than 65 will need some form of long-term care at some point. Absence of planning for this potential eventuality is like gambling on a stock that’s at a 70 percent risk of loss. But it’s worse than that, because of the toll infirmity places on immediate and extended family. An inadequate long-term plan for health care can eradicate savings for you and your spouse, as well as most other assets you are planning to leave to your children and grandchildren.

•Grandchildren: Grandparents often prove to be indispensible teachers and caregivers to grandchildren. The saving and spending habits you teach your grandchildren are likely to stick with them their whole lives. Think of it this way: The more financially adept you can make them, Sota says, the more you can spend out of their inheritance without feeling guilty! On a more serious note, grandparents who lead by example with a strong ethic in money may serve as the best examples. And an ability to contribute to a grandchild’s college fund can make grandparents feel more confident in their future well-being.

•Community/charity: While some retirees are trying to turn the tide from a lifetime of poor financial planning habits, others have been meticulously honing their spending habits and expectations for the future. Or, some folks have always been financially blessed. Whatever the circumstances, many retirees want their legacy to be felt beyond the benefit of their family. There are ways to maximize one’s contribution to the community, and the earlier you understand what you’d like to accomplish in this capacity, the better.

Photo: Pixabay

]]>http://estativize.com/lifestyle/why-your-financial-plan-is-bigger-than-you/feed06728http://estativize.com/lifestyle/why-your-financial-plan-is-bigger-than-youEstativize Visits: Mobile, Alabama, Charming Gateway to the Gulf Coasthttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/estativize/KFDR/~3/z7SPn8WyEKk/estativize-visits-mobile-alabama-charming-gateway-to-the-gulf-coast
http://estativize.com/lifestyle/estativize-visits-mobile-alabama-charming-gateway-to-the-gulf-coast#respondFri, 29 Jan 2016 08:30:47 +0000http://estativize.com/?p=6739If you like Southern hospitality, Mobile, Ala., might be the place for you to visit — or even consider calling home. The city has distinctive museums, antebellum mansions, Civil War sites, towering canopies of majestic moss-draped oaks that line the architectural districts, and the city’s fascinating eight National Register Historic Districts. Gently mingling into the landscape are attractions like Mobile’s Continue Reading]]>

If you like Southern hospitality, Mobile, Ala., might be the place for you to visit — or even consider calling home.

The city has distinctive museums, antebellum mansions, Civil War sites, towering canopies of majestic moss-draped oaks that line the architectural districts, and the city’s fascinating eight National Register Historic Districts. Gently mingling into the landscape are attractions like Mobile’s River Delta, which offers lovely flora and fauna.

Mobile's Historic Districts

Dauphin Street is a step back in time, with many of the storefronts restored to illustrate the city’s historic architecture. Neon lights now mark this “Little Bourbon Street” of Mobile, with one-of-a-kind shops, various restaurants, and a lively nightclub scene.

Oakleigh Garden was developed after the Civil War. The Oakleigh Historic Complex has three historic home museums on one site. The Oakleigh House Museum, circa 1833, is the city’s official antebellum period house museum, with a collection of art, furniture, silver, jewelry, and china.

Leinkauf Historic District, currently undergoing revitalization, offers graceful small buildings and elegant grand homes. Old Dauphin Way, Mobile’s largest historic district, was developed as early as the 1820s. Known for its collection of fine bungalows, the district is known as one of the most interesting in the city. Ashland Place was constructed on the grounds of the former home of noted 19th century novelist Augusta Evans Wilson. Midtown visually acts as something of a timeline; On the eastern edge of the district are Queen Anne and Classic Revival styles, but to the west, later building styles such as bungalows and various revival styles predominate.

Church Street East is the most picturesque and diverse district in the city. From mansions to Victorians, the neighborhood structures reflect Mobile’s rich past. De Tonti Square is the oldest surviving residential neighborhood in Mobile.

Mobile's Museums

Fort Conde Museum and Welcome Center is a replica of the original 18th century French brick fort built to guard the city. In addition to the museum and photo gallery, exhibit rooms depict various aspects of fort life. Costumed guides lead tours, fire muskets and cannons, and take you back to Mobile’s beginning.

Museum of Mobile is located in a historic building constructed in 1857. Once an open-air market and old City Hall, it’s now a National Historic Landmark housing more than 100,000 artifacts that show the progression of the city’s past. The museum also houses the royal robes of Mardi Gras Queens dating to 1928.

Mobile's Anchor Attractions

Mardi Gras is a huge source of pride for Mobilians, and the city holds the reigning title as the “Birthplace of the Family Mardi Gras in the New World.” During Carnival Season, more than 35 parades line Mobile’s downtown streets with brilliantly colored paper mâché floats and marching bands.

The Bellingrath Gardens and Home, also known as “The Charm Spot of the Deep South,” is nestled among the oaks, Spanish moss, and the scenic Fowl River, encompassing 65 acres of year-round floral pageantry and exquisite landscaped gardens.

]]>http://estativize.com/lifestyle/estativize-visits-mobile-alabama-charming-gateway-to-the-gulf-coast/feed06739http://estativize.com/lifestyle/estativize-visits-mobile-alabama-charming-gateway-to-the-gulf-coastTargeting Where the Single Crowd Lives: Top Real Estate Localeshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/estativize/KFDR/~3/2pVz2VEQg6U/targeting-where-the-single-crowd-lives-top-real-estate-locales
http://estativize.com/business/targeting-where-the-single-crowd-lives-top-real-estate-locales#respondThu, 28 Jan 2016 08:30:53 +0000http://estativize.com/?p=6742Realtors seeking new clients in 2016, listen up. Wondering if Los Angeles the best place to live if you are single? How about Dallas? Maybe Phoenix? What’s the worst place for singles? New York? Detroit? You might be surprised by the answer, thanks to a new survey. And if you are thinking of targeting singles for the New Year, this Continue Reading]]>

Realtors seeking new clients in 2016, listen up.

Wondering if Los Angeles the best place to live if you are single? How about Dallas? Maybe Phoenix? What’s the worst place for singles? New York? Detroit? You might be surprised by the answer, thanks to a new survey.

And if you are thinking of targeting singles for the New Year, this survey could be helpful.

The personal finance website WalletHub conducted an in-depth analysis of 2015’s Best and Worst Cities for Singles.

The results: Some singles are closer to a happily-ever-after than they think, but it depends on where they live. To identify the cities in which singles have the highest chance of finding a significant other, WalletHub’s analysts compared the 150 most populated U.S. cities across 25 key metrics. The data set ranges from the percentage of singles to the number of online-dating opportunities to the number of attractions in each city:

The average restaurant meal cost is highest in New York, three times as expensive than in Aurora, Colo., the lowest.

The average price for a bottle of wine is highest in Atlanta, four times as expensive than in Indianapolis, the lowest.

The average price for a movie is highest in Oxnard, Calif., two times as expensive than in Corpus Christi, Texas, the lowest.

The percentage of single people is highest in Detroit, twice as many as in Fremont, Calif., the lowest.

The number of nightlife attractions per capita is highest in Las Vegas, 22 times more than in Hialeah, Fla., the lowest.

The number of cafés per capita is highest in Seattle, 40 times more than in Laredo, Texas, the lowest.

The number of online dating opportunities is highest in Gilbert, Ariz., two times more than in Detroit, the lowest.

While many singles often choose to live in apartments and/or with roommates, there are some who do seek their own humble abode. As a Realtor, it never hurts to see where your options might be for trying to round up new clients.

Photo: Pixabay

]]>http://estativize.com/business/targeting-where-the-single-crowd-lives-top-real-estate-locales/feed06742http://estativize.com/business/targeting-where-the-single-crowd-lives-top-real-estate-localesLongevity: Why What You Think You Know About Aging is Wronghttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/estativize/KFDR/~3/VMOIWWckhoQ/longevity-why-what-you-think-you-know-about-aging-is-wrong
http://estativize.com/lifestyle/longevity-why-what-you-think-you-know-about-aging-is-wrong#respondThu, 28 Jan 2016 08:30:09 +0000http://estativize.com/?p=6711Continue Reading]]>Are you as young as you feel? How’s your attitude toward aging? Have you stopped acknowledging your birthday after 29 or do you still feel like you can do it all? Are you still working to your full capacity?

Basically, your attitude when you’re young — how you think and feel about yourself and the world — sets the tone for how you live your life when you’re older, says Dr. Noelle Nelson, author of the Happy Healthy…Dead: Why What You Think You Know About Aging Is Wrong and How To Get It Right.

“To live a long happy healthy life, kick your appreciation into high gear now, no matter your age,” says Nelson. “Why? Appreciation of the ordinary experiences of life is the number one attribute that sets those over 100 years of age apart from everyone else; the younger you are, the easier it is to get the appreciation habit going — and going and going. That’s why longevity is truly a young person’s game. Start now.”

Important New Findings

All of this can be especially important since the FDA has recently approved clinical trials on a drug that could increase life expectancy to 110 or 120 years.

According to the survey posted recently on Yahoo: “Humans may be one step closer to finding the Fountain of Youth — sort of. Researchers will begin testing Metformin, a medication used to treat diabetes, as an anti-aging drug in a clinical trial next year.

“When it's used for treatment for type 2 diabetes, the drug reduces the amount of glucose produced in the liver, but researchers believe that it may also have the ability to slow down the aging process in individual cells by increasing oxygen released into each cell. Reducing the biological effects of aging would mean the possibility of increasing lifespans, staving off aging-related diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's and perhaps allowing humans to live into their 110s or 120s,” the research suggests.

“Just imagine if you could live that long in a happy, healthy state, as opposed to spending your last 20 or 30 years in miserable, decrepit decline?” says Nelson. “Whether you’re 20 or 30 or 40 or older, appreciation is the quickest, easiest way to gratitude, which in turn engenders happiness and fosters optimism. Those four attitudes, appreciation, gratitude, happiness and optimism, are all linked in study after study to better cardiovascular health, less stress-related diseases, and even less risk of Alzheimer’s. All of which add up to a long happy, healthy life.”

Be in Charge

Nelson explains: “What you think is what you live. You are in charge of what you think. And what you think impacts how your body responds. Choose thoughts that support positive emotions and you’ll reap the benefits throughout your life, now and tomorrow.”

Photo: Pixabay

]]>http://estativize.com/lifestyle/longevity-why-what-you-think-you-know-about-aging-is-wrong/feed06711http://estativize.com/lifestyle/longevity-why-what-you-think-you-know-about-aging-is-wrongBe Rookie of the Year with Listing Power Tools™http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/estativize/KFDR/~3/ypNzu9OwTdE/be-rookie-of-the-year-with-listing-power-tools
http://estativize.com/featured-articles/be-rookie-of-the-year-with-listing-power-tools#respondWed, 27 Jan 2016 16:57:24 +0000http://estativize.com/?p=6788You just graduated from real estate school. What seemed so clear and easy to implement in class just a few weeks ago suddenly isn’t so simple. As a newbie to the real estate game, you’ve no doubt pinpointed the competition and know all of their stats—or at least you should have by now. It’s in your best interest to learn Continue Reading]]>

You just graduated from real estate school. What seemed so clear and easy to implement in class just a few weeks ago suddenly isn’t so simple. As a newbie to the real estate game, you’ve no doubt pinpointed the competition and know all of their stats—or at least you should have by now. It’s in your best interest to learn from top agents in the business as you forge your own path to success in the industry.

But how can you compete against years of experience, high sales volume, and overall dominance in the market? How can you edge the competition while positioning yourself as an expert in your neighborhood? How can you use your knowledge of trends in the digital landscape while incorporating tried and true traditional marketing practices?

Listing Power Tools is the hot off the press single-property listing program that realtors everywhere are talking about. What matters most in securing listings, which leads to more sales, is making sellers feel confident that you can effectively market and sell their home for the most value in the shortest amount of time.

As a new realtor vying for the same listings that other, more experienced realtors will be competing for, it’s imperative that you approach your listing presentation with preparation, confidence, and a "wow" factor. The number one reason sellers hire realtors is not because they have access to the MLS or because they’ve sold an outstanding number of homes: it’s for marketing. Regardless of your level of experience, you can now not only compete with industry powerhouses, but win, by using the complete Listing Power Tools package that is revolutionizing real estate marketing.

LPT is comprehensive

What does it take to properly market a home? Some might say traditional marketing. Others might say the newest tools in the industry outweigh old school methods. The answer is that a complete arsenal of marketing tactics and strategies is needed to adequately market a home.

Marketing your listing correctly has a two-fold purpose. The first is to attract buyers. With LPT, you have a complete kit of door hangers, mailers, business cards, and sign riders that effectively showcases your client's property, which will speak volumes at your listing presentation. The second objective to marketing your property the right way is to generate more leads and drum up more business for yourself.

With the digital features available through LPT, interested buyers can text a unique code generated by the app. This will keep your customers from getting sidetracked onto (and possibly hijacked by) big sites like Zillow or Trulia, or going through a Google search, where they could get passed along to another real estate agent. Instead, potential customers will text a code to your unique phone number and land on a custom, branded page showcasing your listing, where they can enter their information and be directly connected to you. The custom text code and unique phone number means you’ll capture all of your own leads at the yard sign.

LPT is cost-effective

As a new realtor, your budget may be more limited in terms of what you can afford to spend marketing each of the listings you’re hoping to secure. The low cost and high value of Listing Power Tools ensures you can aggressively compete in listing presentations by showing potential clients just how committed you are to marketing and selling their home. Whether you want to market each individual property with LPT or save your marketing budget for the biggest ticket homes you’re interested in selling, there are tons of options that will allow you to edge out the more experienced competition.

LPT is convenient

If you were to hand-create, order, and print all of the pieces that come with LPT yourself, not only would you spend hundreds of dollars marketing each listing, but you’d also have to endure several trips to your local print shop—and that’s IF they got all of your specs right the first time around. By logging into the LPT app, you can create, order, and proof your materials online, and have your custom marketing materials delivered to your doorstep. Line up your LPT individual marketing materials alongside your listing presentation schedule and watch yourself become the competition to beat in town.

Ultimately, LPT allows you to control the flow of information about your listing through the entire sales funnel, from listing presentation to the sale of your client’s home. No other single real estate marketing program available to date is as customizable, convenient, cost-effective, or comprehensive. Don’t lose the sale at the listing. Rise above the competition and power up your listing presentation with LPT.

]]>http://estativize.com/featured-articles/be-rookie-of-the-year-with-listing-power-tools/feed06788http://estativize.com/featured-articles/be-rookie-of-the-year-with-listing-power-toolsDid You Know Half of all U.S. Renters are Over 40?http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/estativize/KFDR/~3/KcbNQCVn5Yo/did-you-know-half-of-all-u-s-renters-are-over-40
http://estativize.com/featured-articles/did-you-know-half-of-all-u-s-renters-are-over-40#respondWed, 27 Jan 2016 08:30:14 +0000http://estativize.com/?p=6725Continue Reading]]>Apartment living isn’t just for Millennials and the younger set these days.

According to a new study from Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies, sure millennials are renting, but so are their parents. And it’s such a popular notion, there appears to be a shortage of affordable rental units.

Christopher Herbert, managing director of Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies said, “We’ve seen vacancy rates at their lowest level in decades and rents growing at their fastest pace in 30 years. With all those people looking for rentals, it's increasing competition and making the market ever tighter.”

Agents: Don’t Turn Your Heads

If you’re a real estate agent, don’t turn your head from those who are only interested in leasing either. One real estate agent says representing renters is something she rarely says no to.

“On the upside, leases happen quickly and you can get paid more quickly. On the downside leases are harder to do for the money received. It is almost as much work as a sale and sometimes even harder as you must deal with tenants who want all the little things fixed and a landlord that is not as motivated to do the work as they would be if they were selling the home. So it can be a bit contentious,” said Kathy Kennedy, an agent with Realty One, Southern California. “It is a good way to start in real estate but most real estate agents would probably gravitate to selling real estate instead of being a leasing agent, once they have had a taste of both.”

Renters GrowingA co-author of the study, Herbert said the number of renters is growing. Nine million new households over the last decade, many of which are not the young college grads you might expect.

“The vast majority is among people in their 30s and older. In fact, the biggest group is 50-69,” Herbert said.

So why are older folks, parents and the like, opting to rent?

According to the study, the increase in older renters is a legacy of the housing crisis. For instance many consumers, who lost their homes, are now renting. And with all generations hoping to rent, prices are climbing. Especially in some larger cities, says Devin O'Brien, head of strategic marketing at apartment rental website, Zumper.com.

“Oakland was up 19 percent this past year. Brooklyn, Queens, all of those areas, are all skyrocketing,” he said. “Rents, particularly in urban areas, are going up tremendously.”

Bottom-line: renting isn’t a bad thing and appears to be the trend for many as the cost of buying a home rises and the shortage of homes continues. Also, many empty-nesters, as well as seniors, prefer not being locked into a mortgage, maintenance or responsibilities of own in their home. Renting, in fact, makes more sense than ever for them.